Some Queen Anne's County Homeowners Confused By Permitting Process

BAY CITY, Md. - Fitz Turner's blue wooden deck isn't looking too great - all thanks to a tornado that sent an oak tree toppling to the ground.

Turner wants his deck back, but like some homeowners, he doesn't know where to start.

"Can I just pour the boards off and start repairing it or do I need to get a permit? Or if the contractor comes in and says well it can't be repaired, we want to rebuild the whole thing," Turner said. "What's the process or is there a quicker way to do it?"

Now that neighbors have mostly cleaned up their yards, they're focused on cleaning up their appearance. But before that begins, homeowners must first get a permit from the county.

People like Turner say that extra step is too complicated.

"I mean what are you going to have to go through?" Turner asked. "I mean there was just processes that I was concerned with."

But the county says it's ready to help with the process.

Mike Wisnosky, Queen Anne's County Planning and Zoning Director, says they're planning to increase workday hours and even open up on Saturdays. He also says tornado victims will be put at the top of the priority list.

"A little bit of hand holding because we understand that folks have not been through this process and it's going to take a little bit of education," Wisnosky said.

Turner says he's ready for that.

"I think that the zoning office will be helpful," Turner said.

A town hall meeting assessing how much progress has been made is scheduled in the next couple of weeks.

A couple in Wyoming, Delaware is opening up their home to the community to help them get into the holiday spirit.

James and Ronicca Teagle have been decorating their home for the last 15 years. Each year they welcome tours through every room of their home and give back to a special Delmarva charity. This year the Teagles are giving back to Bless Our Children.

A couple in Wyoming, Delaware is opening up their home to the community to help them get into the holiday spirit.

James and Ronicca Teagle have been decorating their home for the last 15 years. Each year they welcome tours through every room of their home and give back to a special Delmarva charity. This year the Teagles are giving back to Bless Our Children.